While I’ve always been good at maintaining networking connections, I’ve gotten a major lesson in leveling up my game. You see, in the past few weeks, I’ve attended three different conferences. While one was to support a fellow business owner with her endeavors, the other two were pretty much business for me. Here’s what I learned about maintaining networking connections.
Join the Facebook groups associated with the event.
Hands down the most valuable resource for maintaining networking connections has been Facebook. I’ve been attending conferences for years and I always make sure to join the Facebook group associated with the event.
Granted, some Facebook groups are better than others, but for the most part, it’s been a major driver in my business. Here are some of the things that happen as a result of being a part of conference Facebook groups:
- You get tagged in posts by people who know you can help someone else.
- Resources are at your fingertips.
- Sometimes separate Facebooks are created as a result of the larger one. These smaller groups can often times turn into masterminds.
Create a WhatsApp with the people you meet.
While I’m not new to WhatsApp, I recently started using it as a tool to maintain networking connections after attending Tony Robbins: Unleash The Power Within. In full transparency, it wasn’t my idea. It was the idea of a new friend who sat next to me at the event. From Day 1, he added everyone he met into a WhatsApp group.
The reason you’ll want to use something like WhatsApp is that – depending on the event – there may be people attending from other countries who may not be available via text. WhatsApp allows you to communicate with people all over the world.
Since attending this event, the WhatsApp group has turned into a source of inspiration and accountability.
Create a group text with the people you got closest to.
This is another tool I’ve begun to use to maintain networking connections. During Tony Robbins: Unleash The Power Within, I got close to a few individuals. Since we were all in the US, we simply started a group text.
These are smaller than the WhatsApp and allow for more personal connections. It’s also great for support when things don’t go your way. Truth be told, these people aren’t just networking connections, they also become friends.
Start local meetups immediately.
I have to give the people in Miami some credit. Less than a week after leaving West Palm Beach for Tony Robbins, the people from Miami who attended the event were already meeting up.
I’ve gone to other conferences where local meetups never happen because we wait too long. This time, by starting right away, we kept the fire going. We’re also already motivated to meet again.
Final Thoughts
The networking connections you make throughout your career are an invaluable resource as you build your business. Whether it’s by moral support or connecting you with opportunities, these connections will help you keep growing.
